Financial Fraud Detection: Do Forensic Accounting Skills Matter? Evidence From Nigeria

This study investigates the effect of forensic accounting skills on financial fraud detection in Nigeria. A survey-based research approach was adopted. One thousand, two hundred (1,200) professional accountants and employees from chosen federal government ministries, departments, and agencies in Nigeria are the target population. A simple random selection procedure was used to choose 300 professional accountants from federal MDAs. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the given data. The study's findings show that forensic accounting investigative skills, analytical skills, technical skills, and ethical skills all have a positive and significant relationship with financial fraud detection in selected Nigerian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The report suggests that the Nigerian government implement and use modern forensic accounting techniques and software for data analysis, anomaly detection, and fraud investigation. These solutions may automate operations, increasing the efficiency and efficacy of fraud detection activities.